How I Wish I Were You (ON HOLD)

Chapter 3:- Treasures

The lively beats of Falguni Pathak still echoed as loudly as it had when they had arrived, yet the lights had dimmed and fewer people danced in the main hall. Unable to breathe any longer, Naina rushed to Preeti and ushered, "Let's go."

"W-what?" Her sister stuttered in perplexion.

"We came here on your insistence, Preeti. I get to decide when we leave. And I want us to leave right now." Her condescending tone had a glint of plea as she held onto Preeti's arm.

"Did Sameer say anything?" One question played a rigmarole of a thousand memories as Naina straightened and her face hardened. Preeti felt the grip tighten and her lips thin into a grim line.

"Preeti, please." Naina managed as succinctly as possible, hoping her sister didn't notice the clenching of fists.

"Okay, let's go. Let me say goodbye to a few." She clutched the hem of her red 'dupatta' matched with orange 'ghagra-choli' in anticipation while Naina passed an understanding smile.

"Go, talk all you want to Pandit. I'll be waiting in the parking lot." Naina softly rested her hands on Preeti's shoulders before turning on her heel towards the main entrance.

"Won't you come along?" Her question made Naina's vision blur for a second before she regained control over herself.

"Not today, Preeti. Not today." Naina whispered incestuously, walking ahead while her heart retreated to treasured incidents.

"No luck?" Pandit quizzed as soon as Preeti approached to which she sighed dejectedly.

"Not yet. Not until they sort out their differences." She shook her head in failure.

"It won't be easy. They've got quite some memories to let go." Munna added, prevailing a long moment of silence.

"I just want her to be happy. And free. Just like she was--"

"With him." Pandit completed while eyes glistened.

"And we'll make sure that happens." Munna promised, bringing back three smiles.

"I've got to go. Naina doesn't feel too...alright." Preeti search for a plausible word while eyeing Pandit.

He took her hand in his and clutched it in assurance, "Take care."

"You too." Her lips curved in hope.

"Let's look for Sameer now." Munna wrapped an arm around his best buddy's shoulder. In that moment, their hope had shone and uncertainty had flickered. The trio had turned in different directions yet towards one destination.

Preeti had only been a step away from the precious threshold they had once dreamt of when Sameer called out to her, making her stop in her tracks.

"Where's Naina?" Sameer asked in urgency, his breaths quick and heart racing in anxiousness.

Preeti passed a commiserating glance before answering, "She doesn't want to be here."

His gaze turned ice-cold in the next second and Sameer slammed his foot in frustration, "Why doesn't she ever understand. Preeti, you know everything, right? Tell me, was I the only one at fault?" He probed, orbs blazing with anger.

"Whoever it may be because of, but life took a very unpredictable turn that left us devastated, Sameer. That's all I know." Her voice softened to a whisper as a lone tear swept across her face.

Sameer gulped in difficulty, his face contorted with guilt and pain. Clearing his throat, he asked, "How long do I have?"

"A month. 30 days." Preeti breathed.